Local celebrity Sir Rod Stewart officially opened the brand new development at Sawbridgeworth's Rivers Hospital on Thursday (26 October).

Work for the £5.1 million development began in July 2016, and was completed in just over 12 months.

It includes a new state of-the-art, digitally-integrated operating theatre, a new ambulatory ward for day case patients complete with new minor operations suite and recovery department, and extended on-site parking.

The new extension brings the total capacity at Rivers Hospital — Sawbridgeworth's largest employer — to five operating theatres, two minor operation rooms and an endoscopy suite.

Sir Rod's wife Lady Penny Lancaster, whose mother worked at the hospital for several years, also joined him at the event, which was officiated by the Mayor of Sawbridgeworth, Councillor Ruth Buckmaster.

The event also celebrated the hospital's 25th anniversary year, with Sir Rod unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Mr Andy Haysman, Regional Director of Ramsay Health Care UK East Region, said: "The team at Rivers Hospital has always offered patients a high level of customer care, which has been recognised by thousands of patients who have been successfully treated over the past 25 years.

"The new facilities will help us provide the best possible environment for patients and consultants into the future."